Reliable and responsible kiwi looking to see the world

About this sitter

Kia ora, hi there!

I'm Kathryn (48) from New Zealand. I am an experienced housesitter who loves the opportunity to experience new places, people and cultures.

I have been housesitting privately for many years. However, in 2016 I joined mind my house and I have been fortunate to look after a number of homes and pets around the world through this website and other connections. I have had a wonderful time getting to meet new people and make new friends. I have two great passions, animals and travel and I see this as a great way to join the two together in order to meet and help people and discover the world.

Why they want to house sit

While I am a seasoned travelers already, I feel that housesitting is a wonderful way to experience life as a local and its culture rather than a tourist constantly on the move. In addition, I recognise what a special privilege it is for homeowners to open their homes up to strangers and I have been able to make some great friendships through these experiences. House sitting through this website also appeals from the perspective that I get to look after homeowners beloved pets.

Their experience

I have been house sitting for approximately 30 years through direct contacts and referrals mainly in New Zealand and Australia. During this time I have looked after cats, dogs, birds, mice and farm animals and really enjoyed it. In 2016 I decided to travel the world for a year and found this website and realised that I could housesit worldwide. It has been a wonderful discovery and since then I have been fortunate enough to look after a number of lovely pets and farm animals in South Africa, Europe, England, Asia, Australia and the USA.

I was raised on a farm and I have always had animals in my life, whether that be my own or fostered animals. I am a huge animal lovers so in terms of experience with animals, your pets would be in safe hands. Having lost my cat and dog to old age, I am well accustomed to looking after older animals and giving medication if required. I also volunteer at my local SPCA (Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) working with cats, dogs and small animals such as birds, rabbits, mice and rats. I also foster sick, injured and orphaned cats and kittens at home.

In addition, I have completed a number of trips to South Africa to volunteer and intern at various wildlife centres over the years. I have had an amazing time raising orphaned, sick and injured baby hippos, giraffe, cheetahs, leopards, wildebeest, birds, squirrels, bushbabies etc. This experience with such a wide range of animals has enabled me to learn a lot and particularly with sick and injured animals, identify quickly any issues and provide necessary medical support where possible.

What can they bring to the assignment

I am an enthusiastic, friendly, very reliable, honest and trust worthy individual. I do not smoke and have a clean criminal check as well as references that are available upon request.

I will communicate with you as much or as little as you require while you are away. I am not scared of putting in a bit of hard work if required and I enjoy gardening, so I am happy to take care of your lawns, gardens etc. As a New Zealander I have a real 'can do' attitude so I have experience with various mechanical machinery, swimming pool maintenance and fixing things.

I have completely renovated my last two homes and I treat my home with pride so I can ensure you that your house will be well looked after as well.

I am a massive animal lover and well experienced with a wide range of animals including big dogs, farm animals etc. My pets Casper (cat) and Blush passed away of age related illnesses, but during their later years I became very familiar with giving them medicine so I would be comfortable if you needed this help with your pets. My pets were the most important thing in my life so I would expect that yours are too and would treat them with extra care and lots of love.

While I am on this site as a single individual, if you require a couple, I often do travel with my friends and have previously completed housesitting that way when a homeowner has required two people for their home. So if you are interested I would love to hear from you.